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What is St John's wort? — PlantSage

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What is St John's wort

— Short, snippet-friendly answers to the most-asked questions about St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). For the full profile with citations, open the main page.

What is St John's wort?

St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) belongs to the family Hypericaceae and is native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, and parts of Europe such as Austria and the Baltic States. St John's wort (Latin: Hypericum perforatum, family Hypericaceae) is a medicinal plant catalogued in PlantSage.

What is St John's wort used for?

St John's wort is most often used to support stress & anxiety and mood support. Each claim is rated by evidence strength - see the full profile for citations.

Is St John's wort safe?

St John's wort should be used with caution by photosensitivity and pregnancy. Always consult a clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children.

How do you use St John's wort?

St John's wort is most commonly prepared as tincture, capsule, or tea. Dosage and method depend on the form - see the full profile for ranges and preparation steps.

Where does St John's wort grow?

St John's wort is a member of the Hypericaceae family native to AFG, ALB, ALG, ALT, AUT, and AZO. St John's wort thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil.

What are the side effects of St John's wort?

St John's wort has 5 documented contraindications (severities: warning and contraindication). Most commonly: avoid concurrent use with sedatives, alcohol, or medications affecting the same pathway. Always consult a qualified clinician.

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